Uniforming

We are fortunate to live nearby the local scout shop. The first step of finding a local pack was followed by a second step of uniforming. A visit to the scout shop began the dollar investment side of scouting. You can expect to spend between $80.00 to $100.00 on the uniform both shirt and pants, council patch, pack numbers, world crest emblem, hat, cub book, neckerchief and slide.

I searched eBay first, but the months of September and October tend to be recruiting months. Every other parent is thinking the same thing you are. Saving money. The problem is that bidding wars combined with shipping costs and the week plus long shipping wait was enough to want a first hand experience in sizing. A month into scouting, I have come to stand by this simple rule: If you live within reasonable driving distance of a scouting shop, support the shop. Leave the eBay sales for those who do not have such a luxury.

Cub scouting leads to boy scouts. A cub scout could hypothetically wear the uniform through four years of scouting. Boys will be boys and some will grow tall between 1st and 5th grade. Boys will also be boys and find ways to tear holes in clothes. Cub scouting is not a desk activity. Your boy will be on the move. Wearing the uniform while running, jumping, and crawling on all fours during the ‘Feats of Skill’ achievements. This said, let the boy play. I personally expect a worn out uniform each year. My humble advice is this. It is not Sunday School clothing. Keep it clean and patched, but don’t freak when the grass stains won’t come out.

Like this:

With the Scout uniform, there are a couple of things…
1.) It’s more durable than you think…
2.) If you are ever unsatisfied with the uniform, return it for a refund or exchange…all BSA licensed merchandise has an lifetime guarantee
3.) The first shirt will last up to the 4th grade…if your son loves the program, he will want to get into the khaki colored shirt as a Webelos…then maybe you can donate his ‘blues’ to the pack closet, if they have one…